Romain Grosjean Bio
Early Life and Background
Romain David Jeremie Grosjean was born on April 17, 1986, in Geneva, Switzerland, to a Swiss father and a French mother. He is the grandson of Olympic alpine skier Fernand Grosjean and the great-grandson of weapons designer Edgar Brandt. Grosjean began his racing career in karting, progressing to junior formulae in 2003, where he quickly made a name for himself.
Grosjean’s early career saw him dominate the French Formula Renault championship in 2005, winning ten races. His success in karting and junior racing paved the way for his entry into higher levels of motorsport, showcasing his talent and determination from a young age.
Path to IMSA SportsCar Championship
Grosjean’s journey through motorsport began with karting, leading to a successful stint in the Formula Renault Eurocup. He then moved to the Formula 3 Euro Series, where he won the championship in 2007. Following this, he graduated to the GP2 Series, where he achieved significant success, including winning the GP2 Asia Series.
His Formula One debut came in 2009 with Renault, where he faced challenges but gained valuable experience. After several years away from F1, he returned in 2012 with Lotus, achieving multiple podium finishes. In 2021, Grosjean transitioned to the IndyCar Series, where he quickly adapted and secured several podiums. His latest move is to the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse, marking a new chapter in his racing career.
Romain Grosjean Career
Early Career (2003–2009)
Grosjean began his professional racing career in karting before moving to the French Formula Renault series, where he won the championship in 2005. He then progressed to the Formula 3 Euro Series, clinching the title in 2007. His success in these series led him to the GP2 Series, where he won the GP2 Asia Series and finished fourth in the main championship in 2008.
In 2009, Grosjean made his Formula One debut with Renault, stepping in for Nelson Piquet Jr. during the European Grand Prix. His first season was challenging, with limited success, but it laid the groundwork for his future in the sport.
Formula One Breakthrough (2012–2020)
Grosjean returned to Formula One in 2012 with Lotus, where he achieved his first podium finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He continued to impress with multiple podiums throughout the 2012 and 2013 seasons, finishing a career-best seventh in the World Drivers’ Championship in 2013.
His time with Lotus was marked by both success and controversy, including a race ban for causing a multi-car collision in 2012. He moved to Haas in 2016, where he continued to compete until his departure from Formula One in 2020. His final race was the Bahrain Grand Prix, where he survived a horrific crash that highlighted the importance of safety measures in the sport.
IndyCar and IMSA Era (2021–Present)
Grosjean made his IndyCar debut in 2021 with Dale Coyne Racing, quickly adapting to the series and securing multiple podium finishes. He later joined Andretti Autosport, where he continued to compete until the end of the 2023 season. In 2024, he transitioned to the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse, marking a significant shift in his racing career.
In 2025, Grosjean is set to compete as a reserve driver for Prema in the IndyCar Series while also focusing on his commitments in the IMSA series. His experience and skill continue to make him a formidable presence in motorsport.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Grosjean is known for his aggressive driving style and strong racecraft, which have contributed to his success across various racing disciplines. His ability to adapt quickly to new cars and racing formats has been a hallmark of his career, allowing him to excel in both open-wheel and sports car racing.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Grosjean has achieved multiple podium finishes in Formula One and IndyCar, showcasing his talent at the highest levels of motorsport. His dramatic escape from a fiery crash in Bahrain in 2020 is a defining moment in his career, emphasizing the importance of safety in racing.
Romain Grosjean Career Wins
Grosjean has not secured wins in the Formula One or IndyCar series but has achieved numerous podium finishes, demonstrating his competitiveness and skill. His transition to sports car racing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship is a new opportunity for him to pursue victory in a different arena.
Current IMSA SportsCar Championship Highlights
In the 2023 IMSA SportsCar Championship season, Grosjean made his debut with Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse. He has participated in several races, with his best finish being 14th in the GTD Pro class. As he continues to develop in this series, he aims to secure his first win.
Previous IndyCar Series Achievements
During his time in the IndyCar Series, Grosjean achieved six podium finishes, including a pole position at the Indianapolis Grand Prix. His performances have established him as a competitive driver in the series, despite not securing a win.
Romain Grosjean Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Grosjean comes from a family with a rich sporting background, being the grandson of an Olympic skier. His family has supported his racing career from a young age, providing him with the foundation to pursue his passion for motorsport.
Personal Life
Grosjean is married to Marion Jollès, a French journalist and television presenter. The couple has three children, and they currently reside in Miami, Florida. Grosjean’s family life is an essential aspect of his identity, and he often shares moments from his personal life with his fans.
2025 Season Performance
As Grosjean enters the 2025 season, he will be focusing on his role as a reserve driver for Prema in the IndyCar Series while also competing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. His experience in both series will be crucial as he aims to secure his first win in sports car racing. The season is expected to be a pivotal year for Grosjean as he seeks to establish himself in the IMSA series and continue his competitive presence in IndyCar.
